Yazaki North America and Johnson Controls are addressing the need for higher onboard electrical power and reduced vehicle weight by collaborating on a demonstration dual-voltage vehicle that is being displayed for the first time at Convergence 2000. The vehicle is the first application of the Scalable Nodal Active Power (SNAP) architecture, the next evolution in power management, according to the companies. From passive load switching to active power and load management, Yazaki's distributed nodal architecture enables a modular implementation.

The two essential components of the architecture are the source module and gateway. The source module integrates all power generation components and includes Johnson Controls' 42-V AGM batteries and Smart Charge Management Control, which dramatically increases battery life. The module also contains a Yazaki-developed dual-voltage power distribution box and includes the capability to accommodate additional 42-V loads in the future. The system's two gateways provide a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) 42 V, or the equivalent of 14 V rms, to the existing lighting system, which presented the biggest challenge in transitioning to the new power standard. The gateway allows scalable local distribution of 42-V dc or PWM voltage, thus minimizing electrical distribution complexity. Additionally, the source module and gateways can enable additional features such as an easier software configuration, "smart" bulb use (using one bulb to function for another in case of failure), or load shedding based on the battery condition.

The demonstration vehicle also features 42-V alternator, starter motor, and engine-cooling fan loads.